PLANS to create five junior football pitches and an extra cricket pitch near a village estate is causing concern among residents.

The scheme is being submitted by Ripley Cricket Club, between Ripon and Harrogate, which wants to build the sports pitches in a field adjoining the current cricket ground.

Thirty residents attended a meeting of Ripley Parish Council this week and voiced their concern at the development.

After studying the plan, the parish council has decided to object to the scheme.

Chairman Ted Bishop said many of the residents had expressed serious concerns about the size of the development.

It was also felt the extra pitches would be far beyond the needs of Ripley, which already has pitches for two local junior teams.

Fears were expressed about the potential for further congestion and visual impact on the rural aspect of a conservation village.

A spokesman for the borough council planning department said they were seeking more details about the application.